View full sizeThe Warren County Courthouse in Belvidere.Frank H. Conlon/For The Star-Ledger

BELVIDERE — About 80% of the rivers tested throughout the country tested positive for trace pharmaceuticals — a result of them being flushed down toilets, according to Warren County Sheriff David Gallant.

The Warren County Courthouse has collected more than 50 pounds of prescription medicine since beginning Project Medicine Drop in January, Gallant said.

That's 50 pounds of medicine that, instead of going into local streams and rivers or being abused by people without a prescription, will be disposed of properly, Gallant said.

The program, he said, also eliminates the potential for drug addiction. According to Gallant, research shows that about 75% of people that become addicted to prescription medicines have obtained them from family or friends.

"That’s where people get some of the drugs they abuse, from friends and family. We offered this alternative.”

The only other year-round location in the county is the State Police barracks in Hope, Gallant said, though local police departments participate intermittently throughout the year.

Project Medicine Drop is part of a partnership with the Attorney General's Office and Division of Consumer Affairs.

There is a drop-box permanently installed at the courthouse, 413 Second St. The drop is done anonymously and labels are not scrutinized, Gallant said. People dropping off are welcome to tear off labels and cross of names with markers, he said.

The drugs are ultimately disposed of with the assistance of Covanta Energy facility in Oxford.